Ashington game with Shildon set to be replayed

Brian Bennett – Ashington FC correspondent

Ashington FC’s Ebac Northern League 2-1 home defeat by Shildon earlier in the month is to be expunged from the records and replayed.

The league made the decision after it came to light the Durham club had fielded a player for whom international clearance had not been received.

But whilst the decision gives the Colliers another opportunity against the championship contenders, Woodhorn Lane head coach Ian Skinner said: “I need to be diplomatic here. I have read the rule and the decision the league have made is within the league rules.

“But what I can’t accept is the fact that despite Shildon breaking the rules, if they win the rearranged game by say a 5-0 score line they would be better off whilst we would be worse off through no fault of our own.

“It’s an admin error. It’s unfortunate, the lad has played for two other teams in this country without international clearance, one of them was Darlington and they have subsequently been kicked out of the Durham Challenge Cup.

“There has got to be some consistency and Shildon, who have added some real quality players to their squad since they beat us, should lose three points as a forfeit.”